The Writers of Wales Database

HUGHES, TRYSTAN OWAIN

The Chaplaincy at Cardiff University, 61 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT
Tel: 02920 232550
Email: hughest6@cardiff.ac.uk

Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes was born in Penmaenmawr and is a fluent Welsh speaker. At Bangor University, he attained a BD with first class honours, before completing a PhD. After working as a Teaching and Research Fellow at Bangor, he was appointed Head of Theology at Trinity University College, Carmarthen. He left that post for ordination training at Oxford, where he attained an MTh from Oxford University.

Dr Hughes' PhD explored the history of the Welsh churches in the twentieth century, and his subsequent academic work has been published in high-profile journals (including the Journal of Ecclesiastical History and the Welsh History Review). He has presented at a range of conferences including at Edinburgh University 1999; University of Stirling 1999; Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia 2000; Sydney University 2001; University of Northumbria 2001 and 2002; and Chicago 2003.

Dr Hughes's brand of accessible spirituality, best reflected in his book Finding Hope and Meaning in Suffering, but also in lectures, talks, and retreats, has made him popular with both the religious and secular media. He is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2's Pause for Thought, as well as to programmes on BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Wales.

Presently, as Anglican Chaplain at Cardiff University, he is working to promote ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue amongst students. He runs a successful inter-faith cafe, and has worked to promote understanding and tolerance between students of different denominations and faiths. He also currently sits on the theological commission that assists the bench of Welsh Bishops, and he lectures in theology at Cardiff University and St Michael's Theological College, Llandaff.

Reviews:
With respect to Winds of Change: The Roman Catholic Church and Society in Wales 1916-62 (University of Wales Press, 1999)

"…The author has a wealth of detail at his command and displays remarkable objectivity…"
Meic Stephens, Western Mail

"...Excellent companion volume to Densil Morgan’s The Span of the Cross..."
Jon Gower, New Welsh Review

"...The strong hope is that Dr Hughes will continue what he has so auspiciously begun. Catholics are already in his debt..."
Bishop Daniel Mullins, Recusant History


With respect to Finding Hope and Meaning in Suffering (SPCK, 2010)

"...The book is a remarkably accessible and enjoyable read, whilst its central premise remains insightful and challenging..."
Nicola Harris,Croeso


Selected Publications:
Winds of Change: The Roman Catholic Church and Society in Wales 1916-62 (University of Wales Press, 1999)
Finding Hope and Meaning in Suffering (SPCK, 2010)

Contributed to:
Contrasts and Comparisons: Studies in Irish and Welsh Church History (contributor) (Welsh and Irish Religious History Associations, 1999)
Religion and National Identity: Scotland and Wales c.1700-2000 (contributor) (University of Wales Press, 2001)
Cof Cenedl XIII (contributor) (Gomer, 2002)
Nation and Federation in the Celtic World: Sydney Series in Celtic Studies Vol. 6 (contributor) (University of Sydney, 2003)
The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales (contributor) (University of Wales Press, 2008)




Finding Hope and Meaning in Suffering (SPCK, 2010)

Trystan Owain Hughes was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition at the age of 34. But rather than focus on his pain and suffering, he looked for (and found) new, deeper sources of hope and meaning in it. He suggests that learning how to face our suffering and how to wait patiently may be the secret of finding joy in our lives. Combining practical advice, personal reflection and theological evaluation (with a good smattering of humour), he provides a book unlike any other on the market – a book that faces the misery and debilitation of suffering in a thoroughly honest and life-affirming manner. Aware that suffering is not just his own experience, Trystan writes in a popular, lively and contemporary style to encourage us that however bad things seem we are never completely helpless and through facing our suffering we can learn to truly live.

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover